Fabricio Werdum Next in Line for Heavyweight Title Fight, Wants a Rematch With Dos Santos

Fabricio Werdum has revealed that he’s next in line for the UFC heavyweight title.

In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Werdum stated that UFC president Dana White told him the news.

“I had a meeting with Dana White and the first thing he asked me was if I wanted to fight one more time or wait to fight for the title,” Werdum said. “I didn’t even think twice. I’ve waited for this opportunity for years. I will have to stay away from the Octagon for more time, but that’s not a problem. I will have more time to focus and train. I’m back to school. I always look at the bright side.”

Werdum certainly deserves it, picking up three wins in a row against Roy Nelson, Mike Russow, and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira over the past year.

He’s also the only man to hold submission victories over Fedor Emelianenko and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, both former PRIDE champions.

He’ll be facing the winner of Cain Velasquez vs Junior Dos Santos, slated for UFC 166. Werdum certainly has a preference though. If he had his pick, he’d want to fight Junior Dos Santos.

“Nothing against ‘Cigano’, but I want this rematch,” he said. “I thought I was the man at that time. I want to fight him again not because of him, but to prove to myself that I can beat him when I do things right.”

Dos Santos defeated Werdum when they met in 2008, knocking him out in the first two minutes of the first round.

UFC 166 will take place on October 19. Werdum’s title shot will likely happen sometime in 2014.

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